It is that time of year again- the sun is shining, the weather is warm, and the grass is growing fast. Whether we want to do it or not, we have to get out and mow the grass, because like your Mom always said, the grass isn’t going to mow itself.
Buying a mower can be quite a task if you don’t know what you are looking for or what you need. Luckily for you, Fastline is taking the guesswork out and providing you with a simple guide- How to Buy a Mower.
Before we get into how to buy a mower, it is important to know the different types of mowers that are available. There are five different basic categories of mowers:
Walk Mowers- Push and Self-propelled- $229-$849
Walk Mowers- Wide Cut- $1,299-$2,000
Lawn Tractors- $1,500-$3,000
Garden Tractors- $3,000-$8,000
Zero Turn Mowers- $2,500-$13,000
The first question you need to ask yourself is how much grass you will be mowing. Terry Coffin, of Beards Outdoor Power Equipment, tells potential mower buyers that walk mowers or self-propelled mowers are fine for anything under a ½ acre, but for anything over ¾ of an acre, he suggests a riding mower.
Coffin also suggests that users should take the amount of obstacles they will be mowing around into consideration when purchasing a mower. “While more expensive, Zero Turn Mowers offer the user great flexibility, increased maneuverability, and save time when mowing around trees or landscaping,” Coffin said. Also, a general rule to go by is the larger the property is, the wider the mower deck should be. A large mower deck covers more ground in a single pass and saves time.
One also needs to consider what additional features they would like their mower to have. If you prefer a mower that will mulch, make sure the mower you are purchasing performs well in the mulch mode. If you desire to bag grass after it is cut, ensure the mower you are purchasing has a good vacuum and a largest enough bag.
Once you get your mower home and before you start mowing, there are a few general safety tips Coffin had to offer. If feasible, walk the area you are going to mow prior to mowing. Pick up any trash or debris to avoid running over it while mowing. Never mow when the grass is wet. Besides being dangerous, mowing when it is wet outside makes the mower work harder and causes build up under the mower. Always wear hearing protection, safety glasses, and heavy shoes.
One of the most important aspects of owning a mower is the maintenance of the mower. Coffin suggests that a new mower owner should change the oil within the five to ten hours. Maintenance after that point is dependant upon the manufacturer. “Keeping the oil and the air filter changed are very important in mower maintenance,” Coffin said.
Do you have any additional tips for those looking to buy their first mower or just a new mower? Do you have any ideas for other Fastline How To articles? If so, leave a comment or send us an email at interact@fastline.com. We will be looking forward to hearing from you!
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